The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has reaffirmed the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s determination to sustain offensive operations against terrorism, banditry and other criminal threats, warning troops to remain on high alert as criminals often exploit festive periods to strike.

General Oluyede gave the assurance on Christmas Day during a special luncheon with troops of 8 Division, Sector 2, Operation FASAN YAMMA, at Giginya Cantonment, Sokoto. He was represented by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu.

Addressing officers and soldiers of the Joint Task Force, the CDS praised the troops for holding the frontlines while many Nigerians celebrated with their families, describing them as “the wall that never breaks and the hope that can never be shattered.”

“While many Nigerians celebrate this season with loved ones, you remain steadfast in your sworn duty to God and country. Your selfless service, often at great personal sacrifice, reflects the finest traditions of the Nigerian Armed Forces,” he said.

The CDS commended the troops’ professionalism and operational gains under Operation FASAN YAMMA, noting that their efforts have restored public confidence and stabilised parts of the North-West and adjoining states.

He stressed the need for sustained inter-agency collaboration and stronger engagement with local communities, emphasising that intelligence sharing and public trust are critical to defeating insecurity.

“As we celebrate this season and prepare for the new year, I urge you to remain alert, proactive and disciplined, while strictly adhering to the rules of engagement and respect for human rights,” Oluyede said, cautioning against misinformation and enemy propaganda.

He assured personnel that troop welfare remained a top priority, pledging improved living and working conditions, enhanced healthcare and continued support for families of serving personnel.

In his remarks, the COAS, Lieutenant General Shaibu represented by the Theatre Commander, Operation FASAN YAMMA, Major General Idris Warrah said the Christmas luncheon was a long-standing tradition aimed at boosting morale and honouring the sacrifices of troops in active theatres.

“This season reminds us of the virtues of love, sacrifice and peace values that resonate deeply with the ethos of the Nigerian Army,” the COAS said.

He paid tribute to fallen soldiers who lost their lives in the line of duty, assuring that their sacrifices would never be forgotten. A minute of silence was observed in their honour.

General Shaibu reaffirmed his commitment to professionalism, combat readiness and personnel welfare, stressing that his command philosophy is focused on building a “more professional, adaptive, combat-ready and resilient Nigerian Army.”

“With collective discipline and commitment, victory is assured,” he said.

Earlier, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 8 Division, Major General Ibikunle Ajose, described the presence of the CDS and COAS as a major morale booster and a clear demonstration of the military high command’s commitment to troop welfare and operational effectiveness.

Ajose disclosed that troops of Sector 2, Operation FASAN YAMMA, had recorded significant successes, including securing volatile routes such as the Funtua–Gusau–Sokoto corridor and protecting lives and property across Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara states.

According to him, several bandit kingpins and their fighters have been neutralized, while multiple criminal enclaves have been dismantled, enabling communities to resume normal activities.

“These gains have come at a cost. We honour our comrades who paid the supreme price and reaffirm our support for their families and our wounded personnel,” Ajose said.

The event attracted senior military officers, heads of security agencies, members of the Nigerian Army Officers’ and Soldiers’ Wives Associations, and members of the press.

The military leadership used the occasion to extend Christmas goodwill to Nigerians and reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ unwavering loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Commander-in-Chief, pledging continued commitment to safeguarding the nation’s peace and security. (TRIBUNE)